In this age of accountability in education, policymakers and administrators, as well as parents, are increasingly demanding to know what research studies show regarding the benefits of language learning. We will identify some of the major correlation studies that highlight how language learners benefit from their experiences. Explore the links below for studies specific to those areas.

Academic Achievement

Language learning correlates with higher academic achievement

Research Findings

Competence and Proficiency

Students acquire competence in second language while maintaining proficiency

Research Findings

Reading Abilities

Language learning is beneficial in the development of students’ reading abilities.

Research Findings

Skill Transfer

Language learners transfer skills from one language to another

Research Findings

Linguistic Awareness

There is a correlation between second language learning and increased linguistic awareness

Research Findings

Scientific Hypotheses

Language learners have improved ability to hypothesize in science

Research Findings

Socioeconomics

Language learning can benefit all students

Research Findings

Print Awareness

Second language development improves development of print awareness

Research Findings

Language Brokering

Translating for family improves academic performance and self-efficacy

Research Findings

Test Scores

Language study results in higher SAT and ACT scores

Research Findings

College Performance

High school language study may result in higher academic performance at the college level

Research Findings

Cognitive Benefits

Cognitive Abilities

Early language learning improves cognitive abilities

Research Findings

Benefits of Language Learning Resources

The cognitive, academic, & attitudinal benefits of early language learning

Research Findings

Increased Cognitive Development and Abilities

Bilingualism Correlates with Increased Cognitive Development and Abilities

Research Findings

Age-related cognitive losses

Correlation Between Bilingualism and Age-Related Cognitive Losses

Research Findings

Bilingualism and Intelligence

Bilingualism and attentional control of cognitive tasks

Research Findings

Bilingualism and Metalinguistic Skills

Bilingualism and metalinguistic skills

Research Findings

Memory Skills

Bilingualism and memory skills

Research Findings

Problem-Solving Ability

Bilingualism and problem solving ability

Research Findings

Improved Verbal and Spatial Abilities

Research on bilingual cognitive development

Research Findings

Benefits of Bilingualism with Reviews of Literature

Benefits of Bilingualism by Investigating Reviews of Literature

Research Findings

Cultural Attitudes and Beliefs

Language Learners develop a more positive attitude to speakers of that language

Research Findings

Language education benefits everyone

Students aren’t the only ones who benefit from language learning. The benefits of teaching and learning language extend throughout society and our world.

- Young people are most open to learning about new languages and cultures
- Early language study leads to long sequence programs and proficiency
- Starting early facilitates addition of more languages
- Language study helps children develop cognitive skills
- Language learning leads to greater understanding of other cultures
- Increasing language proficiency opens more opportunities in secondary study
- Language study enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- The skills required in learning a language transer to other academic subjects and improved performance in those subjects
- Developing proficiency in other languages broadens career options
- Skills in languages other than English make those not bound for postsecondary study more attractive employment candidates in a wide range of careers where communicating with diverse customers is necessary
- Good language achievement enhances a studen’ts college prospects and opens paths for a wider range of college-level fields of study
- The postsecondary experience can be greatly enhanced by study abroad and travel abroad programs when students have multilingual skills.
- This is the point of final career preparation, where language proficiency will greatly enhance their employment and future career prospects.
- Knowing another language will expose postsecondary students to career fields they might not have known about without this academic background.
- Solid language programs make the community and its schools more attractive to potential residents and employers.
- These programs contribute to a more diverse population and enhance the cultural experiences of all citizens.
- Offering language programs addresses the concerns and demands of parents in the community.
- Encouraging language learning helps develop a more valuable employment pool with contemporary skills.
- Acquisition of language skills increases business opportunities with minority groups within the community.
- Broader language skills help to improve the community by minimizing language barriers and building cross-cultural understanding.

Employability and World Languages

Infographic Employability Skills + World Languages

Infographic showing how world language learners develop the skills identified in the Employability Skills Framework for Career and Technical Education (CTE).

Document (PDF) Employability Skills

ACTFL’s Professional Learning Committee outlines correlation to language learning and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Employability Skills Framework.

Report Making Languages Our Business Report: Addressing Foreign Language Demand Among U.S. Employers

Study-based report indicating an urgent and growing demand for language skills in the workplace.

Thanks to Amanda Kibler and Sandy Philipose, Graduate Research Assistants of Guadalupe Valdés at Stanford University, for assisting in the compilation of these studies.

This information is not designed to provide a comprehensive review of the research studies available but has been compiled to highlight the benefits of language learning.

Resources by Topic

Research Findings

Academic Achievement

Cognitive Benefits

Cultural Attitudes and Beliefs

Language education benefits everyone

Employability and World Languages